“In the Pocket” is an original instrumental in the style of 1960’s surf-rock. “In the Pocket” is surfer lingo for staying at the steepest part of the wave where the most power is — right in front of the white water or barrel.
“Take the “A” Train” was composed by Billy Strayhorn and was the signature tune of the Duke Ellington orchestra. My instrumental arrangement is “anachronistic surf-rock”.
“A Hazy Shade of Winter”, written by Paul Simon, was released by Simon & Garfunkel on October 22, 1966 as a stand-alone single. It was subsequently included on the duo’s fourth studio album, Bookends (1968). The song peaked at number 13 on the Billboard Hot 100.
In 1987, The Bangles recorded a cover version of the song that peaked at number two on the Billboard Hot 100.
My instrumental version is based heavily on the Simon and Garfunkel original, but has a beefier, thicker sound due to the use of a baritone guitar for what was the original 12-string riff — and also more rhythm parts.
“Exploration in Terror” is another track from the 1964 album “Ventures in Space” and was written by members Don Wilson, Bob Bogle and Nokie Edwards. The original recording featured a very prominent Tam-Tam (Gong) throughout. My arrangement includes a toned-down role for this distinctive sound. My arrangement also replaces the original lead guitar with a baritone guitar, which I think adds to the “spookiness” of the overall vibe.
“The Tunnel” is another original composition in which I try to combine the feel of 60’s instrumental guitar rock with more a sophisticated musical and harmonic language than was typical for that style.
Recently, most of the these tracks have been in the style of the British instrumental group The Shadows, whose sophisticated approach I really admire.
“The Tunnel”, however, is clearly in the Ventures surf-rock wheelhouse.
Recent Comments